Charlotte, I went back and read all the stuff you did in one day--it sounds like you're on a roll again! Hope you're not overdoing, though. Easy to do when you feel good!

Willow, I love the letter to the cats and dogs. I'd add, "The throw rugs are not your personal vomitorium. Please use the Pergo I had specially installed for that purpose!"

94 degrees! Yikes! It made 70 here, I think, with some sun breaks. The people next door are outside in jackets. Yesterday we saw a woman at the bus stop in a parka and knit hat. I think she was overdoing it just a tad because it wasn't THAT cold. It's supposed to be in the 60s and raining this week, which is A-okay with me.

Sue, I'd love to know what stamping is, too. My DIL does scrapbooking, which is pretty cool. I'm not crafty at all so I just covet what other people make. Homemade bread. Ahhh! I can almost smell it. With lots of butter, preferably real. I can't remember the last time I had homemade bread. *Sigh*

Bluet--20 lbs. gone. Wow! I hope your cold goes away soon.

Connie--welcome! Please tell us more about yourself. I just turned 50 in April so I'm not that much older. How are you going to celebrate your 50th?

Okay, everyone cross your fingers that my son does well on his second interview tomorrow. He really wants this job, and I hope he gets it. He spent most of the day sending out more resumes. We have the 2nd worst economy in the country so I hope he can find something.

We didn't do any painting at all yesterday. Went to the Farmer's Market and bought some great vegetables and fruit, went for a walk (the only time it sprinkled during the day, wouldn't you know?), and just kind of puttered around the house. That felt great after all these frantic painting weekends. We still have some trim to do in an area where nobody sees plus some touch-ups, but I think it looks pretty darn good.

Hi Everyone,

Willow, I can see I am going to have to get in my car and drive the four or five hours it will take me to get over to Minnesota and help you with that damm rose bush. I live just west of Manitowoc, so I probably know your relative Just west of the lake, so we are always " cooled by the lake breezes".

So all the kids and the grandchildren are coming on the weekend. How many kids and grandchildren do you have? Yes, you will be cooking. It seems like everyone gets hungry the minute grandma's house comes into sight.

Yes, I am going to have to start the excercise routine, especially if I plan on keeping up with you girls. I can feel the peer pressure from here. So tomorrow morning I plan on getting on the treadmill as soon as my feet hit the floor. I am telling all of you this so, I will be more commited to actually doing the treadmill. I'll let you know. :smug

Our new grandaughter Anna, is being baptized on Saturday, then we have a family reunion on Sunday and a group chuch dinner on Friday evening. I think I will be all peopled out come Monday. Everything always seems to fall on one weekend, and then the next weekend there are'nt any functions to attend. Oh well

I was really tired today at work, still feeling the effects of this virus. I was falling asleep in my recliner watching TV before I came upstairs, so I guess I'll head off to bed and dream of all the dragons I will slay tomorrow.

Oh, by the way when you guys say you put SI?N?CB?? (don't remember how you spell it) on your bread, what is that?
Just curious, I don't hardly use any butter or bread spread, because I take meds for high cholesterol. Talk to you later forum buds.

Take Care......

Bluet

Good Morning All! Have a few minutes before I have to get ready for work. Looks like everyone else posts when I go to bed. A quick answer to Bluet's question. ICBINB stands for "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" I use the spray on toast, vegetables, popcorn, etc. Unless you drink it by the bottlefull, its basically calorie free. And NO cholesterol.

Ahhhhhhh, stamping. I could spend hours discussing, but I will make it short. Just think of a stamp that says something like "Paid In Full" or "Received 9/9/03" and substitute a picture or other words. Could be a flower, a bird, Christmas themed objects (my favorites) etc. Stamped on different colors of ink pads or stamped with clear "embossing ink" then heat-embossed with different color powders. See what I mean. I hope this does not constitute advertising, and I don't think it does, but try www.GINGERWOOD.com That site will take you to hundreds of other sites. You will learn anything and everything about the rubberstamping hobby.

Bluet, I don't know how much room you have, but the one thing that keeps me on the treadmill is the TV that I can watch. I usually tape a movie (like the "chickflicks" DH doesn't want to see) and and watch it while I walk. Fast forwarding through commercials makes each hour about 45 min.

Willow, I just loved the letter to cats and dogs too. It is just so true. Try reading a newspaper with a cat.

Sheila, it is only 50 degrees here this morning. The heat came on during the night. Brrrrrr. Seems that I slept much better though. I like cooler nights. Our windows in the bedroom stay open a little bit all winter. My son went up one day and said "Who is visiting? Your Canadian Eskimo relatives?"

I have often thought of doing scrapbooking too and organizing the hundreds of pictures I have in cardboard boxes. But there is only so much time in a day. I have a sign that says "Why Stamp? Because housework makes you ugly!" On that note, I must hit the road. Have a great day all. Sue

Hi everybody....I'm not getting to post as often as I'd like...maybe that will change soon, hope so.

Well...wouldn't you know it...the Methotrexate I take weekly to help with the Remicade treatments has pulled my white blood cell count down real low. Had to stay off of two doses & go in for lab work yesterday. Nurse just called, said it's still down. I gotta stay off 2 more doses & go back the 22nd. Can't win, for losing, sometimes!

Sue.....sounds like stamping would be fun. I might try it sometime.

Bluet...hope you enjoy your grandchildren's visit! & those baptisms for the little ones are so special!

Sheila...hope your son gets that job!

Hi to Fatpuss, Connie, & Summer!!

Willow...that letter to the dogs & cats was cute!

This month is grandparents month! I noticed several talking about their grandchildren in their posts. Here's a few things you should remember when the grandkids visit!!!!!

1. A king-size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 square foot house 4 inches deep.

2. A 3 year old's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

3. If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42-pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a superman cape.

4. The glass in the windows (even double pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

5. When you hear the toilet flush and the words's "Uh-oh," it's already too late.

6. Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

TO BE CONTINUED......

Hi everyone and a special welcome to Connie. I was trying to figure out what stamping was and only when Angel menioned the website did I know you and Connie had one. I am a novice at IT really. You are both very pretty women and so talented with icons and images on the websites. Angel, good to see you back posting and feeling a little better but don't overdo things to set yourself back. Sue, a seafood resaurant would be a good diet day for me - hate the stuff. Is a pizza stone like the ovens in pizza resaurants with real flames underneath? Sheila, fancy your DH seeing a coyote. I saw a documentary about resettling them into another area for their own safety but can't remember if it was Arizona or some place else. Sheila I am sorry for having a good laugh about your three cats peeing and also Willow's cat in the rubber plant pot. Our cat used to fight with a neighbour's cat and was so stressed he started peeing into the fireplace. A chill-out injection from the Vet sorted it out, thank heavens because although neutered, it was still like Tom Cat pee smell. When the vet said she would recommened an animal behaviourist if the injection didn't work my husband went balistic. Asked if they were going to ask our cat whether being abandoned by his Tom Cat father traumatised him ha ha. Bluet, I didn't know that Wisconsin was the Badger State but I would love to see a real life raccoon, they look so cute on TV. Badgers in the UK are a protected species so we can't harm them but DH asked our retired neighbour (who hates cats and dogs) if he would stop feeding them because he is encouraging them and it's not his lawn that is being destroyed. He is nice enough but I doubt he will stop. The UK cities have a big problem with urban foxes, only last week a baby was attacked in its own sitting room by one and a young woman in Central London had one in her BED!! Seems it jumped into her room from a balcony and she woke up with something on her leg and it was under the duvet. It must have been alarmed because it bit her on the knee. I like all animals but I don't feed wild ones because I don't think its fair to them because they lose fear of people and in turn become pests and then people turn on them. Bluet, I think the romantic fiction your refer to is called Bodice Rippers in the trade ha ha. Willow, the Quorn I got is is the brand name and it was in the freezer section of the supermarket. Looked just like ground beef but you need to season it. It is much less calories and fat than the real thing. Son's friend liked it but the rest of us stuck to the beef. It was a shame, Willow, that your favourite author changed direction from fact to fiction. A friend at work loaned me 7 books by James Patterson - forensic detective thrillers - and I have enjoyed them but after the first couple they become much of a muchness. I know a few people who have visited Canada and they all love it. One couple newly retired went with another couple and a police patrol man pulled them over. Seems they were driving BELOW minimum speed! That would never happen where I live, the main motorway into London and max speed is 70 mph but most people do a minimum of 75-80 and some lunatics do 90-100 every morning. DH and I have the next two weeks off together though I have to go up North in a few days as my mother had her op this afternoon. She phoned me all day yesterday and even this morning from hospital crying about the tinitus and asking if I would stay a week and can she come back with me. DH has threated to strangle her - she only went back home 3.5 weeks ago - and she is driving my brother insane so much he is only going to visit every two weeks. We had a lovely day transplanting a budleia tree and putting in a new azaelia. I planted some spring onion, lettuce and raddish seeds in the greenhouse and garden. I bought myself a new jacket yesterday (size 12 UK size 8 US) and this morning tried it on before I got showered wearing nothing on underneath but hiding my bits and bobs . I paraded myself to DH thrilled that a size 12 fitted and he said it was very nice and so was what I was wearing with it. I said if it was that nice maybe I should wear it to his work's boat trip. He said it wasn't that nice!!

Done it again, didn't realise we were on page three already and missed Sue and Angel's posts. Angel, sorry your bloody count is still down but a doctor friend of mine says it doesn't mean you can't go back on it at a later date when bloods are better. I guess you have been there already, eh? Sue, looks like we have the same weather. My feet were like ice last night despite electric blanket being hot.

Hi everybody! Looks like everyone has been busy while I was sleeping and at work.
My day was pretty good so far.
I'm working overtime all week, so I have to be to work at 5 AM. It'll make up for the day I missed last week.

The personnel office manager came out on the floor late this afternoon and said, "you forgot to sign at the bottom of this FMLA form."
I said "I didn't forget at all. I'm not signing it, because we no longer have to let anyone have access to our medical records."
What it says at the bottom is that 'I give my permission for the company's medical representative to get information from my physicians about my medical records.' I know that we no longer have to, but, she insists that I do, so, we'll see what an attorney says about it. I'm really tired of their crap.

Sheila, I'm not craftsy either, but, I'd like to find something to do after I retire and maybe sell stuff a couple times a year at sales. I think I'd like to get into sewing again. I used to LOVE it, but, I haven't sewn in so many years, I'd probably have to learn all over again. I'd need to get a sewing machine too.

The stamping sounds like it would be fun. And the scrapbooking too.
I truly pray that your son gets that job. It's sooo bad right now, and it doesn't look like it's going to improve much any time soon either. So disheartening. I feel so very bad for those who have children to raise and have lost their sources of income.

Bluet, my son lived 2 blocks from lake Michigan, in Manitowoc. He and his wife were there for about 3 years. He was manager of the Mills Fleet Farm store there. He also had a karate studio there and taught Tai Kwon Do. I used to go visit them and take my DIL's mother and sister along, and I think it is one of the loveliest towns ever. I used to have a blast at that river walk they have in June. I would spend the whole day checking out all the vendors and listening to all the bands. I want to go again. Maybe my DIL and I can go next year. They now live in the Twin Cities area, and he works for a different company now. Her mother passed away a few years ago from non-hodgkins lymphoma, at age 56. Very sad. Anyway, if I come to Manitowoc, I'll let you know and maybe we can meet in real life.
Of course, you're always welcome to come visit me in Minnesota too.
I have 6 sons, 5 DIL's and 12 grandkids.

I haven't heard anything back from any of them yet. I told them to let me know by Thursday evening so I can get food prepared. Now that I think of it, I haven't heard from my sister for a couple of days either.
It sounds like you're going to have a busy weekend coming up too. Congratulations on that new Granddaughter too.
You spoke of starting to exercise, .... I have an article I got today from about.com that I'm going to post after this post. I actually had Puss in mind when I decided to copy and paste it here, :wink: but, I guess it could be inspirational for all of us.

Sue, thanks for that URL. I haven't checked it out yet, but I'm sure going to.
I too have a tv in front of my treadmill, but I still think the treadmill is a tedious thing to do, so, I've started to do it in shorter time spaces. Like 10 to 15 minutes at a time, more often. I'm still not crazy about it though.
I rode my exercise bike for 25 minutes this morning before going to work. My muscles are still sore today from lifting weights yesterday morning. And, I'm going to lift again tomorrow morning. If it ever cools off, I'll start going to Curves again too.

Charlotte, so sorry you had to stop the methotrexate for a while. Hopefully, it won't be for long.
I just LOVED the reminders for visiting Grandkids. Looking forward to the rest.
I'm glad you're feeling better for now though. Don't wear yourself out though.

I had some really goofy foods today.
For breakfast I had a cup of bran flakes with a carton of strawberry-banana FF yogurt in it, with a cup of tea.
Lunch was a sm. carton of 1% cottage cheese and a little raw broc, caul, and carrot.
Supper was tuna salad sand., vegetable soup, and fresh strawberries.

I wonder what Thursday will bring on the scales. I'm trying to talk the woman who got me to join WW into getting a bike and go bike riding in the evenings and on weekends when it's cool enough.

Does Puss mean that you and Connie have a web site together?!? Cool! I have to get back there and finish looking at it.

Puss, I can well imagine the expression on your hubby's face when the vet suggested an animal behaviorist!
My one DIL has a cousin who has a hobby farm, and has about every kind of animal there is, but, she has a raccoon that lives in the house and is litter box trained too.

On the subject of books, .... I have a penchant for true life stuff, and more specifically, about serial killers. My family thinks it's funny. They're used to me though.

I'm glad to hear you and your hubby will get some time together this next 2 weeks. I hope your mother is doing well after her surgery. Hope nothing about it ruins you and hubby's vacation.
I got a good laugh out of his remark about your jacket.

Well, folks, I need to cut this off and get on my exercise bike again for a little while.
Good luck to everyone with your foods and exercise.
Hello to Connie. Hope your day is going well. Take care and come back soon.

Finding Time to Exercise ..... Puss, are you reading?

It CAN be done!
Be honest...on your list of priorities, where does exercise fall? Is it even on your list? Some of you don't exercise because you think you don't have time. You're waiting for your schedules to ease up, for school to start, or some other future event. The truth is, there's never a right time to get moving. It's now or never, so read on to find out how to make exercise a reality.
Why You Don't Exercise:

We all have excuses for why we don't exercise. Recognize any of these?
Exercise is boring. If you don't look forward to your workouts, it's no wonder you skip them. People often force themselves into activities that don't interest them which, of course, increases the quit-factor.
There are no immediate consequences to skipping a workout. It's not like you'll gain 10 pounds or suddenly get heart disease if you miss one day. But, it's easy to let the time get away from you until, pretty soon it's been a month since your last workout. Then come the consquences- weight gain, low energy and more.
You're waiting for things to calm down. Haven't you figured it out yet? Life doesn't calm down as we get older. Jobs, kids, family, social obligations...they're never going to go away. If you're waiting for a clear schedule, you're fooling yourself. Find a way to do it now.
You're waiting to fall in love with exercise. Think you'll suddenly wake up one morning, itching to get to that workout? It just doesn't work that way. You have to work at it every day and find that motivation wherever you can.
You get frustrated by lack of results. Are you a scale-watcher? Remember, it takes time to see results. If you're obsessed with the scale, it's that much harder to stay motivated. Focus on what you're getting NOW--energy, stress reduction, satisfaction, etc.
You don't have huge chunks of time to do all this exercise. You're in luck--you don't need lots of time. Just 10 or so minutes throughout the day and you've got yourself an exercise program!
Finding Fun in Exercise

You may not think of exercise as being fun, but maybe you should change your perspective a little. Working out offers a different kind of pleasure. No, it's not sitting-at-the-beach-sipping-a-tropical-drink kind of pleasure, but a wow-my-life-is-better kind of pleasure. Sound cheesy? Perhaps, but it's true that exericse gives you:

Satisfaction. Admit it--does anything feel better than finishing a workout? Is there anything that makes you feel better about yourself?
Relaxation. If you do it right, a good workout will leave you both energized and relaxed. You're alert, but not stressed and you're able to accomplish more.
Weight loss. Duh.
Better health. There's no better prescription for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other conditions related to overweight.
Confidence. There's no better confidence builder than exercise. You become comfortable in your own skin and you typically become more graceful, balanced and agile.
If you want to learn from the experts, i.e. people who've been working out for ages, read on to see how they did it.

Next: Tips and Resources for Busy People

Ever wonder how other people do it? You know them--people who always seem to find time for exercise. Hey, the had to start somewhere. Maybe you can learn a thing or two from them about making exercise your top priority:
"When I worked full-time and went to school, I used my lunch hour 2 days a week for walking/running workouts. I kept a resistance band at my desk and did whatever exercises I could during the day...if you really want to do something, you'll find a way."

"I make time. I work full time and...squeeze it in wherever I can. I take my resistance band to work and use it at breaks or lunch. I also take a little extra time on bathroom breaks and do the stairs. You may have to divide your workouts into mini-workouts."

"I started running at home on the treadmill, lifting weights again when I could...I find time, I make time, and I talk to folks about what they do. The hardest part is getting started and making it a routine. After it's a habit it's a cake walk.."

"I thought I didn't have time until I made it a PRIORITY- since changing my perspective on it - it's the LAST thing that would ever get dropped. We always manage to find time for something that is important to us."

"Most days will pack my gym bag the night before, so it's there as a reminder of what I need to do after work. I keep a notebook and plan my workout schedule for the week in advance each week so I have an idea of what I'm going to be doing."

"It make it a higher priority than other things. I wake up an hour earlier just to be sure I have the time for exercise. If that eats up available leisure time in the evening, so I can get to sleep early enough to be healthy, so be it."

It's not easy making exercise a habit, nor does it have to be the equivalent of moving a mountain. It starts with a decision and is followed by taking an action. That action can be as simple as walking the dog or as complicated as training for a marathon. Either way, there's no better time to start than now.

Hello Everyone,

Wow, so much information, it is really hard to keep everyone straight. You guys sound like you have been cyber-friends forever. I am really enjoying this group of people, thanks for letting me join.

Puss, I was watching BBC America this evening, I love Ground Force and Changing Rooms. What happened to Allen Titmarsh he was my favorite on Ground Force. I really had to listen close when I first started watching it to understand what the designers and hosts were saying, but now I can readily understand what they are talking about. Some of the things we call one thing you call another, but it is just fun to watch and listen. It is amazing how close we are through technology.

Really, Puss, Bodice Rippers, that's a new term for me. Well, I'll just keep on reading my Bodice Rippers.

Hope your Mother is feeling better, heaven forbid that you DH would strangle her. It is nice that she has her family to depend on though.

Is that cool, or what? A size 8 US jacket. What a nice compliment DH paid to you. I am happy for you, I can imagine how thrilled you were.

Willow, well anytime you get on over here to Manitowoc, just let me know when you are coming. I'll take a few days off of work and we can get in some sight seeing and stuff. Yes, the River Walk gets bigger and better every year. Just whatever you do, don't bring that rose bush along. Just kidding, I would probably like it. I have one climing red rose, but it is small yet. I don't have any tea roses anymore, they froze out one winter. I do have just regular rose bushes, a couple of pink ones, a white one and a couple of red ones. I have to better understand how to winter them over, so I don't loose any. Last winter I lost one and almost lost the white one, but it eventually came back. Oh, by the way, good for you for standing up to human resource people at work. Even before the new laws the insurance companies were not releasing information the way they used to. It's about time we got that privacy act.

Sheila, ooooh, cold enough to be wearing jackets. Way too soon, it's only September. Somehow I had the impression that Washington had mild temperate climates, because of the ocean. Well, it is nice to keep learning new things. I get a lot of garden magazines, 4 at least. When ever they feature a garden from the State of Washington or Oregon, I am soooo envious. The gardens are always so lush. The roses are so fantastic, I just guess I assumed the weather was much milder than here in the midwest.

I hope your son gets the job that he wants. The economy is not too great over here either. We haven't hired anyone for a long time at the company I work for. Just tell him never give up. The right job is just waiting for him.

Sue and Connie, where are your home pages? Can we visit them? I kind of got lost in the conversation and I am not understanding how to find your pages. I have a DIL and she and her Mother are wonderful stampers. My DIL made the wedding programs for my son's and her wedding. She stamps all her thank you notes. Her Mother is a quilter and does beautiful sewing also. I tried quilting once, it is still 1/2 done in a box in the storage room, that I did not get cleaned last weekend. Ha

Guess what ladies, as soon as my feet hit the floor this morning, well I took a detour to the bathroom first, then I put on my tennies and got on the treadmill and walked for twenty minutes and then did some stretching. Tomorrow, I have to get up earlier and head for the treadmill as soon as my feet hit the floor. I only allowed myself ten minutes to drive to work today and it usually takes about twelve if there is no snow or ice.

Sue, I have plentry of room where I have the treadmill, and I tried watching TV while walking, but it was too distracting and too much noise for me. I have several excercise CD's that are just music I play, and that seems to work out ok for me. Thanks for the suggestion though. And it was only 50 degrees last night in New York. Gosh guys, it is only September.

Angel, that was a cute post about grandkids. Every one of them is probably a true statement too. I could probably add some more from my treasure trove of grandchildren experiences if I thought about it for awhile.

Had a work day from (well u know) today. Brought it all on myself too. Got too upset over small things, not worth it. When oh when will I ever learn?

Take care forum buddies. Talk to later.

P.S. Is there spell check on this html? Also thank you for the heads up about what ICBINB stands for. I tried every kind of word combination I could think of, before I asked. I did not want any of you to think I wasn't cool or that I was not a with-it Grandma.

Bluet

Hi everyone...gonna have another long day...thought I better post now.

Bluet....that's great that you're inspired to go right to the treadmill in the morning! I can't exercise....but if I could...still would be too lazy for that! You're a gread addition to the thread. I can't keep up, either....just do the best I can. I really enjoy reading your posts! I've got 11 grands...so probably could write a whole book!

Willow...thanks for the well-wishes. I'm doing ok, for now. I'll let the dr worry about me. Hope all goes well with your family visiting. Do you think there'll be any problems with nosy sons & DIL's? I hope not. Hope you can enjoy this visit.

Fatpuss....I can't believe the speed limits there! We can do 70 on Interstates in certain (few) places. Most around here are 55-65. The patrol cars will (hide out) to catch us speeding. I guess they're low on revenue! Sorry you're still having problems with your mother. I'm afraid I wouldn't have the patience you have. Don't guess you have much choice..........

GRANDKIDS VISITS CONTINUED...

7. Play Dough and Microwave should never be used in the same sentence.

8. Super glue is forever.

9. You probably do not want to know what that odor is.

10. Always look in the oven before you turn it on. Plastic toys do melt.

11. A six-year-old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year-old man says they can only do it in the movies.

12. The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy. It however makes cats dizzy. Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy........

Hi Angel,

Thank you for the sweet compliment.

Eleven grandchildren, wow holidays must be a blast.

What beautiful graphics you add to your posts. I consider myself lucky that I can figure how to post and add a few smilies to my messages It is so nice to see talent in other people, you make me smile.

I am sorry you don't feel well. I noticed the other ladies mentioning your health to you, but felt I was too new to invade your privacy and did not want to appear nosey. But, please know that I care and I will pay close attention to the posts to see how you are doing from day to day.

Take care...until later.....I can just tell you are a beautiful person.

Bluet

Hi,

Not a good morming for me so I'm just going to make it a short one. My little dog, PD, woke up ill this morning. He's 15 and this is the second time in less than six months that he's been so ill. We said last time that if he got ill again, the kindest thing to do would be to put him to sleep. So we have an appointment in about 20 minutes.

I'm really sad, but I know it's the right thing to do.

Oh, Sheila, my heart bleeds for you over PD. 15 years is a long time to have to lose a good chum. I think you are so brave and such a good animal lover to take the decision you are making - I know I will have to do the same for Alfie in the near future. Words can't be enough but I am really sorry.
Willow, you are having a rough time in work lately with those bosses. I am glad you are making a stand but you could do without all this hassle with the health problems you have had lately. I didn't realise you had 6 sons. What a strong young woman you must have been to be widowed so young and raise 6 lads alone. It's probably that early struggle which has stood you in good stead for the hassle you are facing now. Thanks for taking the time to post the exercise tips but you know what I am going to say, don't you? I would rather stab my feet than do it! I too am addicted to true crime books and order tons from Amazon. The American ones are best and the most prolific though that's obviously because of the population size. Angel, I loved the chocolate icon, I must confess I had some tonight and wonder if you are tuning into my sitting room with ESP! The anecdotes about grandchildren was hilarious and something I hope I can look forward to. I hope you are feeling a little better today. Bluet, what a lovely name for your granddaughter, Anna. I hope it's a lovely day on Saturday for the Christening. I had to laugh when you said it took a while for you to understand Alan Titchmarsh on Ground Force. (He lives in the next little town to me, by the way, about 8 miles away). You American ladies please don't take offence at what I am about to recall because none is meant, honestly, DH and I have American friends. This morning DH and I were watching the local TV news and the lady who played Dorothy in The Golden Girls was being interviewed about her one-woman play which starts on Friday in London. She was saying she likes London but finds it difficult to understand what people are saying. DH quietly muttered to himself "you need English translating into Yank?" That got us talking about our own British dialects and how very varied they are for such a tiny country. My own accent is from Liverpool and when I first came south 30 years ago not many people could understand what I was saying because we tend to talk very fast and with a nasal tone. In the North East of the country they also talk very fast but in such a rhythmical way very few people outside of Newcastle can follow what they say half the time. So, DH had to concede that 'Dorothy' had a point and even his own wife - a home-grown Brit - was, years ago, difficult to understand. Hope no one is offended by his remark, it wasn't meant to be unkind. Alan Titchmarsh stopped doing further series to concentrate on his writing. He has written two 'How to Garden" books and also a few fiction ones. My mother is in fine fettle after her op, rang me today issuing orders for when I go up there and as usual, criticizing everyone at the hospital. Brother and I have agreed to sit down with her at the weekend and set some ground rules with her ie. our lives will not be ruled by her anymore like the past 20 months. I am dreading it but it has to be done because we are both at the end of our tether and as she is only 70, she will probably outlive us both the way it's going. Hi to Connie, hope you can join us again soon. Hi to Sue - know what you mean about chickflicks and DHs, ha ha. Sheila - from all of us to you. xx

Thanks, Puss. Being a pet owner is full of joy, but their lives are just too darn short.

Love your DH's comment! Hey, there are people in the U.S. that I can't understand at all. I remember going camping in New Jersey with my friend from New Jersey. We met a guy from the Bronx (it's a borough in New York) and my friend struck up a conversation. It was like listening to two people talk in a foreign language, yet they were both speaking English (or Yank as your DH would say, Puss)!

I haven't seen those shows you were speaking of, Bluet, but I've heard of Changing Rooms--it's what Trading Spaces here is modeled after, correct? What's Ground Force? My favorite is still As Time Goes By with Lionel and his custard tarts and Jean and her fry-ups.

Oh, my, Puss--you're a size 8 in U.S. clothing. Lucky, lucky you! My clothing goal is to try and get to a size 10. Hey, that must have been fun for DH seeing you in your new jacket--hee hee!

Hope all of you who aren't feeling well are doing better today.

My son accepted a job today that pays REALLY good money. He's only been here 9 days--amazing, isn't it? He's also going to take over my daughter's apartment lease when she goes to bootcamp as well as her furniture and car. Then we'll finally have our house back again! It's working out well. I'm one of those suspicious people who wonders when something horrible is going to happen because things are going well. Hhmm, I guess it already did with my little PD. I've already told my other dogs, who are 12 and 16 that they are not allowed to fall deathly ill until after the first of the year, if ever. I can't face losing another pet this year. Surprisingly the 16 year old is in the best health--hopefully saying that doesn't jinx it!

Then there's my dad. Oy vey! He better stay healthy, too. I'm really cracking down on his diet. He's not going to lose his legs to diabetes on my watch!

It's a rainy Wednesday here. I'm feeling a bit blue--my dog today, and then remembering 9/11 tomorrow, which also would have been my mom's 82nd birthday, and is the 10th anniversary of my friend's death from AIDS. I need to watch some funny movies tonight.

3 AM came really fast today. But, the day went fast too up until this afternoon.
I haven't heard from any of my kids yet about Saturday.
I invited my oldest sister too and my brother and his wife, so I'll have a housefull.
I guess I'll have to put up my screen tent for those who would like to be outside some of the time.
The yellowjackets are really bad. I was sitting in my car eating my lunch and listening to the news today and one flew in the window and chased me out of my car! Then, I went around to the other side and opened that door to try to chase him out, and he came out alright! And chased ME back around the car to the drivers side! I jumped in and quickly rolled the window up while hitting at him to keep him outside of the car! Another woman told me later that she figured I must be in a fight with a yellowjacket because she witnessed the whole thing. She said it was kind of comical to watch.

I haven't even decided what I'm going to have for food on Saturday. I guess it all depends on how many come home.

Guess I better get my stuff rounded up for tomorrow.

Tomorrow is weigh-in at WW.

Sheila, I am so very sorry that you're losing your friend. Hugs to you. I know he felt your love and that made it easier for him to leave.
Geez, this just isn't your week, is it? Better days are ahead.

I'm not going to post much tonight because I'm tired and don't feel the best.

I hope you all have a good night tonight and a great day tomorrow. See you then.